In a landmark decision reflecting the growing accountability movements, Taiwan has officially revoked a national arts award from Sakuliu Pavavaljung, a prominent Indigenous artist after his sexual assault conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court. This decisive action not only underscores the country’s commitment to addressing issues of sexual violence but also sets a precedent in the arts community regarding ethical conduct and accountability.
Supreme Court Upholds Conviction
On 1 April 2026, Taiwan’s Supreme Court dismissed Pavavaljung’s appeal and confirmed a prison sentence of four years and six months for “forcible sexual intercourse.” This ruling arose from an incident in February 2021 involving a woman who had been under his mentorship. The Pingtung District Court, which found him guilty in January 2025, stated that his actions violated her sexual autonomy and inflicted significant psychological harm.
Following this verdict, the Ministry of Culture and the National Culture and Arts Foundation announced on 17 April that Pavavaljung’s 2018 National Award for Arts would be rescinded. In addition to losing the accolade, he has been mandated to return the NT$1 million (£23,538) monetary prize associated with the honour.
Allegations and Artistic Legacy
The allegations against Pavavaljung first emerged in December 2021, when another Taiwanese artist revealed an account of an assault involving an unnamed Paiwan artist on social media. This revelation sparked a series of accusations, including claims from another woman who stated that Pavavaljung had attempted to assault her in 2006. As one of the largest Indigenous groups in Taiwan, the Paiwan community is now faced with the fallout of these serious allegations against one of its members.
Pavavaljung was celebrated in 2018 as one of the recipients of the National Award for Arts, a prestigious honour that recognises outstanding achievements across various artistic disciplines in Taiwan. His work, deeply rooted in Paiwan culture, encompassed painting, sculpture, ceramics, and architecture, focusing on the preservation and revitalisation of Indigenous traditions.
Dismantling the Status Quo
This revocation marks a significant first in Taiwan, as it is the inaugural instance of an arts award being withdrawn under the disqualification provisions linked to the Me Too movement, which were enacted in 2023. Pavavaljung’s name has since been stripped from official award listings, a striking move from a government seeking to reinforce ethical standards in the arts.
In light of these developments, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum announced in January 2022 that Pavavaljung would no longer represent Taiwan at the Venice Biennale. The museum stated that this decision was intended to uphold Taiwan’s international reputation and prevent any distractions from the discussions surrounding artistic expression at the event. His participation in Documenta 15 in Kassel, Germany was also suspended, indicating a wider withdrawal of institutional support.
An online petition garnering over 1,150 signatures called for accountability from art institutions, urging them to sever ties with Pavavaljung until the allegations against him were resolved. This call for action has resonated throughout Taiwan’s arts community, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Why it Matters
The revocation of Sakuliu Pavavaljung’s national award is not merely an isolated incident; it represents a broader movement within Taiwan and beyond, advocating for accountability and justice in the arts. As society increasingly demands that institutions take a stand against sexual violence and misconduct, this case serves as a reminder of the powerful intersection between art, culture, and ethics. The decision to strip an esteemed artist of his accolades underscores the principle that talent cannot excuse harmful behaviour, and it paves the way for a more responsible and conscientious approach to artistic recognition.
